Is Life Expectancy Falling in America?

By Dian Brannen, 9:00 am on February 10, 2017

Quite a few news organizations have recently made the claim that the average life expectancy in the United States is dropping. Because of this claim, many people are now trying to figure out exactly why our life spans might be plummeting and what can be done about it. While it is true that the average life expectancy decreased slightly between 2014 and 2015, it may not necessarily be alarming. Here’s what Allentown home care experts have to say.

Understanding Life Expectancy Statistics

Every year, research organizations collect as much data as possible and come up with the average life expectancy within each individual country. The life expectancy is actually how long a baby born today is expected to live.

A Look at the Numbers

The average life span within the United States has been consistently going up for the past 200 years. During this time, there have been occasional periods when the numbers stagnated or went down slightly. When compared to other anomalies in the charts, however, this subtle drop is hardly worth mentioning.

Increasing Life Expectancy

Most seniors can drastically increase their life spans with a few basic lifestyle changes. Some of the most common causes of death for seniors are the result of unhealthy dietary practices and exercise habits. Those who have a family history of genetic disorders should also speak with their doctors about being tested so they can diagnose and treat those medical conditions early.

Hiring a caregiver can enhance a senior’s quality of life and increase the chances of a higher life expectancy. For respite and live-in care, Allentown residents rely on Home Care Assistance. We offer a range of comprehensive and tailored programs to assist seniors with their daily activities. To learn more about how we can help your loved one live a happier and healthier life, call one of our Care Managers today at 484-350-3874.

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